President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft from the Qatari royal family to serve as an interim Air Force One, amid significant delays in Boeing’s delivery of new presidential aircraft. The jet, valued at approximately $400 million, would be among the most valuable gifts ever received by the U.S. government and is expected to be donated to Trump’s presidential library after his term.

The proposal has sparked criticism from Democrats and ethics watchdogs, citing potential violations of the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits U.S. officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer commented, “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar.” The White House stated that any gift from a foreign government would be accepted in full compliance with applicable laws and emphasized transparency. A Qatari official indicated that the decision on transferring the aircraft is still under consideration.

The move comes as Boeing faces delays in delivering two new 747-8 aircraft intended to replace the aging Air Force One fleet. Originally scheduled for delivery in 2024, the completion date has been pushed to 2027 or later. Trump has expressed frustration over these delays and has explored alternative options, including inspecting the Qatari-owned 747-8 in February. Legal analyses by the White House and Justice Department reportedly concluded that the transfer would be lawful if accepted by the Defense Department and later donated to Trump’s presidential library.

Source: Reuters